Sleep consumes a sizable portion of each of our days, but what would happen if we significantly reduced the amount we got on a daily basis? What if we tried going without sleep altogether? While it may be tempting to regularly skip sleep for a variety of reasons, it can have a distinct impact on our health and ability to function well.

I recall once in the Army when a group of us had to go without sleep for three days and nights. When we finally had the chance to sleep, we couldn't for several hours - just wound up too tightly, I imagine.

On sleep: There was a time when I found myself working a lot, and I was dedicated to my leisure, so I thought "I'll try both for a few days". I found myself sleeping 4 hours a night, which lasted for 13 years because I discovered what was possible with a longer time awake - it was a whole new world.

There was a time during this period when I attempted to do the Einstein/Da Vinci/whoever-it-was trick with 2 hours a night and several 15-minute naps during the day. Never quite got there.